John & Heather King

Our Connection with Ballarat Grammar
I attended Ballarat Grammar School from 1955 to 1960, following in the footsteps of my father Owen (1931) and later my brothers Tony (1963) and Geoff (1970), all of whom were also students at the School. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to attend Ballarat Grammar, an opportunity that had a profound impact on my life.
During my time there, I was inspired by outstanding teachers who acted as mentors and offered encouragement well beyond the classroom, and I benefited from learning alongside fellow students with strong aspirations to succeed. I also embraced opportunities to participate in cricket and football, which enriched my school experience.
In my final year I was dux of the School, and the strong academic and personal foundations laid at Ballarat Grammar led me to commence studies in Medicine at the University of Melbourne in 1961, reinforcing my enduring belief in the importance of a supportive school environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

Why We Established the King Family Scholarship
Over the years, I have come to realise how essential a well-rounded education is as the foundation for a successful, secure, happy and productive life. Education is not limited to classroom learning alone; it also includes the broader benefits of sport, music, drama, outdoor pursuits and religious education.
Every child has a talent, but until it is discovered, students can lack confidence, disengage from their studies and fail to reach their full potential. When students find an activity they excel in, their self-esteem improves and often positively influences other areas of their learning.
Parents play a vital role in creating a supportive environment for young people, complemented by schooling that offers a broad range of opportunities and takes a genuine interest in each individual student. Sadly, not all families have the financial means to access such an education.
In my professional life as a neurologist, I have seen many individuals who were unable to reach their full potential due to limited educational opportunities. As a result, they were unable to pursue their ambitions and often did not experience the full enjoyment and fulfilment that life can offer.

Our Hopes for the Future
The future is increasingly uncertain, particularly in the emerging Age of Artificial Intelligence. A strong education maximises opportunities and opens doors in many different directions. Financial support for enrichment programs and access to specialist teachers can unlock a world of possibilities for talented students with limited means.
This support can be especially transformative for students from rural or regional backgrounds, or for those who are the first in their family to pursue tertiary education. The long-term benefits often extend beyond the individual, increasing the likelihood that future generations will follow in their parents’ footsteps.
The King Family Scholarship is intended to enable secondary school students from rural or regional Western Victoria to attend Ballarat Grammar School in circumstances where financial constraints would otherwise be prohibitive. It is anticipated that recipients will aspire to tertiary education and be empowered to reach their full potential.

Encouraging Others to Give
Through my own experience of the opportunities provided by Ballarat Grammar, I have seen firsthand the lasting impact that access to a well-rounded education can have on a young person’s life. I hope that the King Family Scholarship will inspire others to consider how they too might support students in accessing educational opportunities that can shape their future in meaningful ways.